If you’ve ever experienced nagging heel pain that persists over an extended period of time, with pain at its worst on rising in the morning and improving a bit as the day goes on, chances are you’ve had an encounter with the malady known as Plantar Fasciitis. Shaped like a fan this dense fibrous tissue spans the sole of the foot from the bottom of the heel to the ball of the foot. This ligament also provides support for the weight bearing arch of your foot. Plantar Fasciitis is the medical term for inflammation of this band of collagen fibers connecting the heel and toe area of the foot known as the Plantar Fascia. If degeneration of ligament fibers has occurred then a second painful condition termed fasciosis is likely.
The signature heel pain of plantar fasciitis is caused by both small and large tears of the plantar fascia. These tears result from the wear and tear of prolonged periods on soles of the feet, particularly from excess weight, from shocks sustained by the repetitive impacts of running and jumping, and from hyperflexion of the plantar fascia beyond its normal range.
Plantar fasciitis afflicts people with both active and sedentary lifestyles. Heel Pain is successfully treated 90% of the time with a spectrum of conservative care. Only 10 % of people will need surgery. For those having surgery the success rate is 90%.
